Hailsham ceremony marks 70^th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Hailsham honoured those who lost their lives on the 70^th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, at a memorial service on Sunday 19^th September 2010.

Around 544 personnel from Fighter Command died in the battle, which was fought over south-east England as the German Luftwaffe attempted to destroy Britain's fighter defences.

Then prime minister Winston Churchill famously said of their actions: "Never was so much owed by so many to so few."

Representatives from the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA), Royal British Legion and 249 Hailsham squadron air cadets were joined by Girl Guides, Brownies, St John Ambulance and town mayor Cllr Robin Kemp at a wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial.

Sgt Rose Atherton laid the wreath for 249 Squadron and FSgt Tina Calvert was the parade marshal.

Earlier, a service was held at a packed St Mary's Church with a sermon from the Vicar David Bourne. The RAFA, British Legion and 249 Squadron Standards were carried by Air Cadets.

Sqn Ldr Reg Holdstock RAFVR(T) Ret’, chairman of RAFA's Hailsham branch, said “I’m pleased with the turnout, and that that days like this, attract the support of the town and people across all ages, It's fabulous."

The picture above is a depiction of the action for which Flight Lieutenant Nicolson of 249 Squadron, won his VC in the Battle of Britain.

249 Hailsham Squadron Air Training Corps is proud to keep 249 Squadron RAF name alive and has very close links to 249 Squadron Association.

More information about the squadron can be found here: http://www.249sqn.co.uk/history.html